Authorities in New Zealand said on Saturday they are working to formally identify victims after a landslide struck a busy campground on the country’s North Island, where human remains were discovered overnight.
Police said six people, including two teenagers, are presumed dead after heavy rainfall triggered the landslide on Thursday at Mount Maunganui, on the island’s east coast. The collapse sent soil and debris cascading through a campsite in Tauranga, which was filled with families enjoying summer holidays.
Rescue Efforts End as Recovery Begins
Emergency services confirmed that rescue operations have now ended and a recovery phase is under way, with officials saying it is unlikely any of those missing are still alive.
Police said no signs of life have been detected in the rubble since first responders heard voices shortly after the landslide occurred on Thursday.
Chief Coroner Anna Tutton said her office had begun the process of identifying the victims.
“I can’t say how long the identification process will take, but I give my absolute assurance that we will proceed with great care,” Tutton said in a statement.
Prime Minister Calls Tragedy Devastating
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the incident as devastating and expressed sympathy for the affected families.
“To the families who have lost loved ones — every New Zealander is grieving with you,” Luxon wrote on X.
The prime minister visited the site on Friday and met with relatives of those believed to have been killed.
Ongoing Risks From Severe Weather
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said on Saturday that 35 crew members, supported by heavy machinery, were continuing to remove debris. Work resumed after a partial slip occurred in part of the search area on Friday evening.
However, officials warned that further heavy rain forecast for the region could complicate recovery efforts. Fire and Emergency spokesperson Megan Stiffler said crews may need to withdraw if conditions become unsafe.
Second Landslide Claims More Lives
The week of extreme weather also triggered another landslide in the neighbouring suburb of Papamoa, where two people were killed, authorities said.
Emergency services continue to monitor conditions closely as rainfall persists across parts of the region.